Lebanese food is always a delight, but when you chance upon a high-level gourmet restaurant such as Ayamna the experience is earth-moving.
Ayamna is stunning even just upon entrance, and the majestic staircase is a premonition of the sophistication of the evening ahead.
Also, Ayamna is delightfully decorated on the inside and an outside terrace area is available for the cooler months. The premises are fully licensed,
and a variety of cocktails and mocktails are available.
Besides the stunning setting, Ayamna ups the ante within the Lebanese community in UAE with not only a marvelous selection of authentic favorites, but also with signature dishes that are stunning.
The Shrimps Kunafa being one of them!
These are marinated zaatar prawns wrapped in kunafa dough and served with saffron tahini sauce – absolutely delicious both in the playful combination of textures and in the union between flavors.
The menu is plentiful in cold and hot appetizers, and the bread is served piping hot, as is the Saj – a light and crunchy round flat-bread, baked on a cast-iron dome.
It is easy to fill a table with culinary delights!
Every dish brought its own personality, and this is one of the things most loved about Lebanese cuisine – it is like participating in a large food orchestra, in which each musical instrument contributes its own tone and rhythm; and you go from dish to dish with a smile, teasing the palate with melodies of unending delights.
The grilled halloumi cheese plays with its native saltiness, and contrasts it with the sweet fresh tomato, and the high notes of the condiment…
The humble falafel becomes primadonna at Ayamna’s bouquet of entrees, with such lightness, and fluffiness, and yet still so crunchy on the outside, that it is truly fit for royalty.
Simple potatoes come in perfectly cut dice, every single one of them deliciously crispy on all six sides, and mouth-watering on the inside – with a lemon zesty cut-back to prime the taste even more, and a chili kick to finish off – fabulous!
And the attention to detail is paramount.
See how even the raw vegetables are served in ice to exalt their freshness and crunchiness!
Service is professional and most certainly five-star – but there’s more! The famed Arabian hospitality is embedded into the soul of the wait staff, and they naturally combine a respectful service with good humor and nonchalance.
Our host with the quick and easy smile was Assistant Manager Hussein Hadla, and our table was waited with expertise by Moulay, who also capably helped guide our orders.
Then of course comes the legendary Lebanese entertainment!
Back to the table, the second signature dish highlight is a masterpiece of Executive Chef Ali El Bourji: the whole roasted lobster with saffron.
But really, all Ayamna’s dishes are worth highlighting, from the simplest to the most complex.
And desserts are just amazing!
Overall, for the highest level Lebanese food in UAE, look no further than Ayamna – the flower in Atlantis’ lapel, and a beacon of international homage to exceptional Lebanese cuisine.